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What Courage Looks Like.

Courage is defined as “thepowerorqualityofdealingwithorfacingdanger,fear or pain.” It is something that we attribute to those who seem to have an extraordinary ability to deal with what life throws at them.

There are those in our world who have what we think of as “big, bold courage.” Firefighters. Police officers. Soldiers. Doctors. Nurses. People’s lives depend on their ability to do their jobs in the face of adversity…and to do it well.

Sometimes courage isn’t big and bold. Sometimes courage is found in the “quiet places.” Teachers. Pastors. Moms. Dads. People who “show up” every day and spend their lives focusing on shaping and molding the next generation.

The “big, bold” courage and the “quiet places” courage have something in common–they have chosen to be where they are. There is another kind of courage. It’s the courage that comes from fighting a battle you didn’t sign up for, don’t want…and can’t walk away from.

This is what courage looks like to me. That gorgeous smile and those beautiful eyes belong to Katlyn. Kat is bottled-up sunshine walking around in person form. She bounces into the room (Literally–she’s a cheerleading coach. Bouncing is a job requirement.), loves to laugh and has a wicked sense of humor. When she and my niece Gabby became friends seven-ish years ago, Katlyn quickly became a part of their family. When we moved here in 2015, she became a part of ours too.

In 2015, Katlyn was diagnosed with a very rare, very aggressive form of Stage 3 adrenal cancer. She’s been fighting ever since, and she does it with more courage than any 23-year-old I know.

Courage doesn’t mean that there aren’t hard days. Courage means that there aren’t ONLY hard days. It’s saying “I have cancer, but cancer doesn’t have me.” Currently, Kat is finishing her college degree and working as a cheerleading coach. Being a cheerleading coach requires enough courage on its own–everyone is yelling and flipping and jumping around and squealing and…just generally being very hyper and making a lot of noise…and that’s just the moms! It’s an introvert’s nightmare come to life. Fortunately, Kat is as extroverted as they come!

I told you she has a wicked sense of humor–fortunately, it extends to the cancer. The story I’m about to tell is not for the squeamish.

I’ve mentioned before that Gus, my loveable-but-not-very-bright dachshund, has no social skills. Nice smile, but a zero in the social skills department. One evening, Kat was over at the house. She was in the middle of a round of chemo, and it had caused her hair to fall out. I looked over as she was talking and realized that my Gussie was sitting on the back of her chair LICKING THE TOP OF HER HEAD.

She found the whole thing highly amusing. I was so mortified that I’m still in therapy.

Kat lives life big. She, Gabby, and Heather have a shared love for country music, and I’m pretty sure they have seen almost every country artist that has come to Indy this summer. So much gorgeous in this picture! 🙂

Prayers…

Kat has shown incredible courage as she has fought this battle. She’s fighting with everything in her to beat this, and she needs our prayers. The cancer is not responding well to her current treatment protocol, and the doctors need wisdom to know how to proceed. Kat needs strength to keep fighting. Her momma needs prayers for a momma’s heart. Kat is her only child and her best friend…there are no more words that need to be said.

I have a favor to ask.

I have friends all over the world. And those friends have friends…and those friends have friends…

I want to get a global prayer chain going for my girl (She’s my girl, whether she wants to be or not. If this means my dumb dog licks her head, then so be it.). If you are reading this, will you do two things for me?

Leave a comment telling us where you’re from and letting Kat know that you’re praying for her.

Share this on your social media.

There is power in the name of Jesus, and He says in His word that “Where two or three are gathered in my name; there I am in the midst of them.” We have been praying for healing for our Kat, and now I’m asking as many people as possible to join us. I want her to know she’s literally got people all over the world storming the gates of heaven for healing.

Katlyn
I first met you when you were just a little girl, helping Mom babysit the twins. I’ve enjoyed watching you go from a little girl to HS cheerleader, then on to college. What a remarked young lady you’ve become and a true inspiration to those girls you coach and to everyone that knows you. Prayers to you and your Mom, as well to all the healthcare providers that you all find the strength and wisdom to beat this thing….. I’m not going to even say the word. You are strong and powerful with them and Hod by your side. 😘 xo Erin Beery, Carmel, Indiana

Hey amazing Kat! D from Be You and Thrive in Chicago here. WOW! You my beauty are inspiring people. I am so grateful for your heart, love and radiant light that beams out of your gorgeous eyes. Cancer has touched my family in big ways. My father is currently with Hospice. But guess what? He is so grateful for the life that God has blessed him with. He is impacting lives and you are too. Please know that and allow it to give you strength moment by moment. God is with you. He hears you and He can you bring you peace and continued courage. I love this blog post because courage is at its strongest when we are at our lowest points. It’s a gift really, that we are offered to use whenever we desire. And you, Kat, are beaming with courage. Big love to you my new friend. And prayers going up to God for you and your family. xo! Mwah! ~D

Kat is absolutely beautiful!!! Cancer is such a horrible thing to deal with. As my boyfriend lost his uncle to cancer almost two years ago. People who fight cancer are so courageous! I pray that Kat beats her battle with cancer. I love that she has an amazing sense of humor and keeps her smile going. Keep fighting beautiful!!!

What a inspiration story….You are a beautiful gal~inside and out. Sending prayers and healing energy from North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to continue kicking cancer’s ass one day at a time “eh”!! 😉

Love what you said about courage … often I feel that the most brave people are the ones quietly confronting their problems, through prayer and persistence, not those yelling on street corner with aggressive signage, etc.

Praying for Katlyn all the time! She is the a pitta me of Joy, spirit and perseverance. I had Kat in class junior year English, and she worked so hard at everything and that has carried over to everything she is going through right now. Big love for her! ❤️🍀

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Hi! I’m Cyndi!

I love Jesus, my sweet hubby and my kids. I like sunny days. Antique shopping. Thrift stores and spray paint. Laughing until I cry. Country music. Good coffee. The perfect pen and a new journal. Read More…